1. Orphanages
There are many homeless children living on the streets of Nepal. Some of these children have been fortunate enough to find their way into orphanages or children's shelters. However, most of these shelters are poorly funded, under-staffed and in need of assistance.
VolNepal works to assist reliable institutions primarily by matching volunteers with relevant need. For volunteering at orphanages and the Women’s home we prefer a longer commitment as high turnover is difficult for us to manage and, more importantly, difficult for the kids. The kids require as much consistency and stability as we can offer. For real growth to occur with the children it is necessary to establish a bond of trust between them and the volunteers. Without that we can wind up doing more harm than good.
We understand that many people will also like to see the natural wonders of this country and we will certainly consider applications for durations of less than two months though we might suggest more focused efforts in a medical camp or other project.
Working in an orphanage or shelter is sometimes hard but always rewarding work. Most of our volunteers teach English and/or Math and spend time with the kids bringing whatever other skills they have. Some people are musicians; some are artists or even psychologists. Regardless, all you need is to care and be there. The appreciation and adoration you will receive along with the satisfaction of knowing that you have helped some small lives to grow bigger cannot be said in words. It can only be experienced.
Our efforts to improve the lives of these children most certainly have an effect. Our volunteers have helped to raise the test scores of the children that they have worked with. While most of the children have endured serious hardships they are incredibly resilient and smile a lot!
Caring
At one of these placements you will be responsible for the day-to-day care of the kids, assisting in basic education, sports, artistic and cultural programs. Working as a team member you will help in looking after the needs of the individuals.
HOW YOU CAN HELP ORPHANS?
→ By sponsoring a child
→ By sponsoring a program
→ By fund raising
→ By volunteering your time to the orphans
We also accept donations from people who want to donate the following:
- Books & School Supplies
- Sports equipment, indoor games
- Medicine (Vitamins, scabies cream/ lotion, lice shampoo, band aid etc.)
- Computers, Cameras and musical instruments
Role of the Volunteer
Orphanages in Nepal run different educational and skill training programs for orphans. So depending on the need of project and skill/interest of participants, volunteers can get involved in any of following activities:
- Teaching English (2-4 hours a day) in an orphanage or school or both
- Organizing games, drawing, singing, dancing, and other creative education and extracurricular activities
- Taking kids on field trips
- Helping kids to do homework, monitor academic progress, and make sure kids complete their homework
- Sanitation (helping kids in brushing teeth, shower, and personal hygiene)
- Child care services for orphans who can not go to school
- Skill training for the children who cannot go school (because they are over age)
- Help kids to dress up and reach school safely
- Help with administration, running errands etc.
- Help in other activities or programs designed for kids
Skills/Qualifications Needed
There are no specific qualifications for orphanage projects in Nepal. However, volunteers interested in working with orphans must care about kids and want to spend time with them. After all of the work that we do, it’s the hugs and smiles and encouragement that count the most.
A typical day of a volunteer in an orphanage project
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Breakfast time for kids; volunteer can distribute food for kids and help in kitchen. Volunteers take breakfast after the children
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Time for kids to go school, volunteer can help kids to get ready for school (sanitation, dressing, packing)
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Kids go to school; volunteers take kids to school or help kids to reach school safely
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Volunteers have time to work on other projects or run errands and so forth.
3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Kids come back from school. Volunteers help with homework and playtime projects.
7:00 PM
Dinner and off to bed
Remarks: This itinerary gives a general picture of daily life but it varies from orphanage to orphanage (as we work with many orphanages), season, and climate. Also, programs can be tailored to some extent. For instance a volunteer may arrange to teach English from 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM and then go to another orphanage for a period of time after that.
